The MSc Information Technology prepares you for the intellectual, analytical and practical challenges of a career in IT. You will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to collate information, define, design and build or select the most appropriate IT solutions and develop a deeper understanding of how those solutions apply to professional contexts.

You can study part-time whilst in full-time employment, as there are few pre-requisites for most modules.

The tools to take you to the next stage

Upon graduation, you will be able to critically evaluate developments and new applications of information and communication technology systems, and relate them to the roles and uses of IT in different business settings. You will also have an enhanced understanding of system problems and how to choose the right methods and approaches to develop systems. From engaging in primary research for the dissertation and studying relevant literature, you will learn to recognise what constitutes suitable research questions or hypotheses and the appropriate perspectives for analysis.

Content

The full Masters course is made up of 180 credits divided into three 60 credit stages: Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and Masters. You will work incrementally through the three stages and need to pass all modules at each stage to be able to progress onto the next.

The MSc route is structured so that three quarters of the taught course comprises core modules, while you choose the rest to fit your personal and professional aspirations and career goals. In the first term, there are four core modules, followed by one core module and two optional ones in the second term.

Core modules

Strategy and Governance in IT (15 credits) - In this module, we explore current issues in the strategy of IT services in organisations. We will look at the key challenges and competing demands facing the industry, and the potentially transformative impact of IT on complex organisations. You will learn how to evaluate and reconcile the sometimes conflicting social, business, legal and ethical pressures of working as an IT professional.

Project Management (15 credits) - You will learn how to make choices when approaching a project, as well as gaining the tools and techniques to use in planning and monitoring progress. We will cover all these aspects in the context of working towards successful project outcomes, as well as fitting in with project management frameworks and philosophies such as PRINCE2 and Agile.

Information Security (15 credits) - This module explores the key information security principles, risks, threats and vulnerabilities faced by public or private organisations. You will analyse issues relating to privacy, civil liberties and intellectual property; learn how to propose a compliant information security framework or policy; and also research and communicate current and emerging information security trends.

Digital Design and Development (15 credits) - You will learn about the fundamentals of digital design and development, including information architecture and user interface fundamentals, prototyping and delivery on web, mobile and emerging platforms. We will cover how to identify and develop creative solutions to design problems; how to respond to critiques on designs and prototypes; and how to write clean, reusable and efficient code.

Group Software Development Project (30 credits) - Within this module, you will have the opportunity to extend, consolidate and apply the knowledge you have gained in the other modules, while working on a group focused software project involving the analysis of project requirements, project management, prototyping, coding, quality assurance and documentation.

You will then choose two of the following 15 credit optional modules:

Information and Knowledge Management

Data Management

Designing The User Experience

Cloud Computing

Linked, Open Data and The Internet of Things

Machine Learning And Predictive Analytics

Social Media And Web Science

Big Data

You can also choose to complete a research-focused Masters Dissertation or a Dissertation by Research and Development that includes the development of a software product (60 credits). You will begin this early in the course, with an introduction to research methods, followed by a closer look at different research approaches and the drafting of research objectives. A dissertation proposal, followed by a progress review, will lead you into the full research and writing/development of your dissertation.

Part-time students

If you are a part-time student, your first year will include modules in Project Management and Digital Design and Development, along with the Group Software Development Project.

In the second year, you will take modules in Professionalism and Governance in IT, and Information Security, followed by your optional modules. You will also most likely start your dissertation during the second year, completing it in your third year.

Please also note this structure is for the full-time course delivery only. For part-time delivery, the same modules will be studied. However, the structure will differ.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.

Study time

Lectures and tutorials take place on two days each week. Those studying part-time normally attend on only one of these days.

Each taught module runs over one semester of 12 weeks and is usually assessed within those 12 weeks or in the examination period that follows.

Full-time students study for 60 credits each term (usually one 30-credit and two 15-credit modules) and you'll complete the taught component of the course in two semesters. The dissertation is usually completed within one year of registering for the course.

For part-time students, there is considerable flexibility in how many modules you take at any one time, as well as the time you take to complete the course. However, we offer a recommended part-time route that means you complete the taught component in four terms over two academic years. This means you attend taught classes on only one day each week. Part-time students study 30 credits in each term of each year.

Assessment

Professional accreditation

The British Computer Society's Professional Graduate Diploma (PGD) is accepted as an appropriate entry qualification for this course. The PGD is also accepted as advanced standing to IT-related undergraduate degrees at UWE Bristol.

Placements

The MSc Information Technology programme is offered as either a one-year intensive Master's programme, or as a two-year Master's programme which includes a work placement opportunity.

The one-year programme will particularly appeal to those students who want to gain a postgraduate qualification, graduate and progress their career within 12 months.

Those starting the programme this year can apply for the two-year option where you will have the opportunity to complete a work placement as part of your course. This option will appeal to students who wish to enhance their career opportunities through applying their knowledge in practice and enhancing the skills they will need to be successful after graduation.

The placement component is up to 12 months in duration and will commence after you have successfully completed the taught modules. The University will offer you expert guidance and support in finding a placement but ultimately the responsibility for securing the placement lies with you. We cannot therefore guarantee that you will complete a placement, just provide you with the opportunity to do so.

As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a student's Tier 4 visa.

Study facilities

UWE Bristol's library carries a range of books and journals on Information Technology, Information Systems and Software Engineering, and most are available online. Frenchay Campus library also provides facilities for group work and private study.

There are many work places available in the faculty's teaching laboratories, as well as a large open-access laboratory. The faculty has its own IT helpdesk, and there are 24-hour computer labs on the Frenchay campus. We operate an extensive pastoral care system that includes induction programmes, and access to academic staff and student advisers for guidance and support throughout your time here.

Careers / Further study

UWE Bristol monitors its employment trends closely, and since 1986, we have ensured graduates of this course are equipped for the demands of the real world and are highly regarded by potential employers.

There is a growing need for creative IT graduates who can work with an ever-widening range of technologies and can meet organisational needs in business, education and health. This newly designed course tackles the challenges of technology in modern business and society, head on.

Our award-winning careers service helps you develop your employment potential through career coaching, a vacancy service for internships, placements, jobs, global opportunities, volunteering and community activity plus support for entrepreneurial activity, and access to employer events.

Entry requirements

You need to have some knowledge of computing, either from your first degree or work / voluntary experience, which you should outline in your application.

We can consider applicants who do not meet the normal entry requirement, but who do have relevant professional experience or qualifications. In your application, you should describe in detail your professional experience and qualifications.

UWE Bristol's International CollegeInternational students who do not meet the academic or English language requirements to study this course can qualify by completing preparatory study at our International College.

English language support

If you meet the academic requirements but require additional support to take your language skills to the required level, you may be able to attend one of our pre-sessional English courses. Students who successfully complete the pre-sessional course can progress onto their chosen degree course without retaking an IELTS or equivalent.